Paradise Shift

William attempts to piece together the troubled past which led him there,

While considering the fact that the world may no longer have a future…

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The shift is coming.

But…

The end of the world does not have to be a disaster.

And by travelling beyond the veil,

There might still be a chance to find utopia.

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Stephen Mullaney Westwood’s second novel is an intensely ruminative, and philosophical journey, through alternative dimensions of folklore, nature, mind and spirit…

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Although very different to ‘Forgotten Things’ , fans of that book will recognise the reappearance of certain characters, along with the reemergence of spiritual woodland journeys, ecological, pagan values, and a deeper continuation of the faery realm mythos…

(The first of two blue moons in the one year… a super moon, and a blood moon.)

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The cover artwork was a commissioned piece designed by Stephen and drawn/ painted by Jo fromKaos Nest

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REVIEWS

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James Westwood (no relation!) on Amazon…

Good reading… wonderfully written

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David Griffith – Goodreads

Paradise shift is Stephen Mullaney-Westwood second novel, introspective and told in the first person it challenges popular beliefs and human nature. William, finds himself in a hospitals mental ward with no memory as to how he got there. Meanwhile the rest of the world is facing a fertility crisis causing humans to become unable to reproduce. William wonders alongside the other patients if this means the end of the world. If it is, does the end of the world always have to be a disaster?

We follow main character William through his awkward social interactions as he ponders and often despises the super social technologically dependent society that towers around him. Feeling trapped we see his descent into isolation as he tries to disconnect and detach from a world that has no place for him. His monologues provide great insight to his character, who at times can be melodramatic, but is more often realistic and relatable. His character development is one of the most rewarding parts of this read.

Without spoiling the others, the characters are all well written, very distinct and relatable when they need to be. They help push the plot forward on this character driven journey and each add a very distinct personality to the mix.

The pros are one of the best aspects of this books and one of its shining points in my opinion. The writing style is brazenly honest, yet poetic a great deal of the time, providing insight on a broad range of things in a dark, eloquent style. If you’re looking for a faster paced read this book may not be for you. Though if you enjoy books in this style, the pros will become one of the major factors pulling you through the narrative.

Overall, this is a very introspective, poetic, character driven journey into isolation, finding friendship in the heart of nature. Bringing pagan lore into the modern day, it’s themes are well represented and the pros make this book a slow but enjoyable read. Putting all the pieces together is the readers job, and it couldn’t be more engaging.

This book is perfect for fans of Mullaney-Westwood’s previous work and I’d recommend it to fans of contemporary drama, light fantasy, and poetic pros. It’s for readers who feel like an anachronism, those old souls who are out of touch.

Perhaps all you need is a paradise shift.

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Janelle Howard on Amazon.com

This is a very well written thought-provoking book. It was difficult to read only because it is dark, and I am a “glass half full” person who keeps my eyes on the light. Nevertheless, there are gems to be discovered in this book; enough to appeal to different people for differing reasons. I love how they were bravely offered, I believe, showing darkness can be overcome by Light and hopelessness transformed by hope.